With gun hunting seasons looming in the not-so-distant future, and archery seasons well underway, sportsmen should begin honing their woodsmanship skills now.

Improving proficiency with a map and compass is a good way to start. Most hunters take for granted that they know how to use these simple tools, but some find out the hard way that they actually don't. To understand the proper use of a map and compass, you must first know how compasses work. They do NOT point to the north pole or "true north." They point to magnetic fields near the Hudson Bay in Canada. Knowing this is the first key to understanding how to use one in conjunction with a map. USGS quadrangle maps (the best for hunting) are based on true north, not magnetic north. At the bottom, they show the difference between true and magnetic north for that particular map. The term for this difference is called declination.

On a quality compass, the 360 degrees will be marked in increments of five or ten, the face will spin, and the top will be marked with an arrow. To use it with a map, you must first know what direction you want to travel, in relation to true north. The most precise way to do this is to place a map protractor on point A to come up with a direction to point B. A simpler way is to use the degrees on your compass along with a straightedge or a piece of string. You must then factor in the declination. For instance if you need to travel at 260 degrees to get from your treestand back to camp, and the magnetic declination on your map is seven degrees less than true north, align the arrow with 267 degrees. After lining up the needle with the "N," the arrow will then point in the direction you really want to go - 260 degrees.

This knowledge is handy if you know exactly where you are, but what should you do if you're lost? The first and most important thing is to remain calm. Next, take out your map, lay it flat and use a compass to orient it north. If you can see a distinct landmark from your position that is also identifiable on your map (like a mountaintop), take a bearing to it. Next, place the compass on the landmark's map location and subtract 180 from your reading. This new bearing will point (on the map) in the direction you are located from the landmark. To be even more accurate, correct for the declination factor when doing this. Pinpointing your position requires some range estimation (how far you think you are from the landmark). If you are lost and have no visible landmarks, use your map and compass to guide you in the general direction of linear landmarks on the map such as roads, creeks, or power lines. Getting to a road means getting to safety, while streams and power lines eventually lead to civilization.

Some of this might seem complicated but with a little practice now, orienteering with map and compass will be second nature during hunting season. At the least, it will help you find your truck at the end of the day. At best, it will save your life.

For a selection of compasses, click here.